CIRCUS Starlight is to pack up for good after 17 years. ‘Things come and go. Businesses are here one day and gone the next,’ said operator Gill Valler, speaking yesterday on the eve of its last summer season at the L’Eree aerodrome.

‘There is so much going on in Guernsey and we are clashing with two events as it is. And with the black hole concerns, people are more careful about how they spend their money.’

It is competing with the Midsummer Magic film screening season and also the Town Carnival.

Last year, it was followed by performances by the Moscow State Circus, at Saumarez Park.

Miss Valler said she was sad to see the end of the attraction, but said circumstances had made it harder for her to maintain it.

‘It’s also very difficult to get help over here and the vehicles and equipment have to be manned.

‘Gone are the days when you have the tent going up and the local kids come out to help you. Those days are finished.’

Helper Nick Cobley, who worked with Miss Valler with the Austen Brothers Circus 23 years ago, before she set up Circus Starlight in 1989, travelled from the UK specifically to help set up the show.

It took half a day to transport the vehicles and equipment from Miss Valler’s St Peter’s home to the site and a further day to set it up.

Tonight’s charity show is the first performance of the season.

Miss Valler is to perform alongside nine circus stars in the show, which also features domestic animals, birds, a crazy clown taxi and an appearance by show stalwart Boris the Turkey.

‘They are all different acts – each act is about three to four minutes long.

‘You would have one act then have something totally different.

‘There are noises and people getting sprayed with water. There are all sorts of things going on.’

Miss Valler said she had a lifelong love for the circus.

‘It was something that I’ve always wanted to do and something that I’ve always liked doing.’